Badenoch MSP will hit virtual highway for part of summer tour

Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes will replace part of her usual extensive summer constituency tour with virtual surgeries and meetings in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last summer, the Scottish Government’s finance minister hosted more than 60 surgeries and clocked up over 2,500 miles by road and sea visiting far-flung corners of her Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency.

But lockdown restrictions will limit the extent of trips to meet community groups, businesses and local people during July and August.

While some of the meetings and surgeries will now be conducted online, Ms Forbes still hopes to visit Badenoch, Ross-shire, the Black Isle, Skye, Lochalsh, the Great Glen and Lochaber.

The Highland MSP says she wants to use feedback from the tour to help inform and shape her priorities for the coming year.

She said: “In previous years, I have spent weeks of the summer travelling around the constituency and holding surgeries in as many village halls as possible.

“It has allowed me to meet hundreds of constituents and discuss matters of concern.

“Unfortunately, the pandemic means I have to change my normal habits and some of move the summer tour online.

“There will still be opportunities to discuss matters and I hope to visit some businesses that are allowed to reopen in late July.

“If you’d like a visit or you want to discuss matters, then please get in touch.”

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